Human bodies aren’t evolving quickly enough to withstand the force of a major car accident using today’s auto technology.
To help illustrate this, Australia’s Transport Accident Commission has built Graham — a lifelike, interactive model made to show the bodily features that humans might be equipped with if we evolve to endure blunt force in crashes. Essentially, Graham is the only one out here that can survive a major collision on the road. Unless you can evolve to his level.
The auto safety project concentrates on Graham’s eight crucial body zones, including the brain, skull, face, neck, rib cage, skin, knees, and legs/feet. The study then goes zone-by-zone, describing how each body part would need to evolve to withstand such force during a crash.
For example, the TAC made Graham’s skull bigger, filling it with more cerebrospinal fluid and ligaments to prepare the brain for when a collision occurs, offering him greater safety.
Graham’s rib-cage protection was bolstered with a barrel-like chest with sacks between each of his ribs that would act like airbags during a crash.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=komX6_N6ozc&w=560&h=315]
And TAC gave Graham hoof-like legs with added joints that would allow him to spring up and out of the way during a crash to avoid enduring major force.
Disrupt 2026: The tech ecosystem, all in one room
Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $400.
Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit
1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately
Offer ends March 13.
Hoof-like legs to minimize leg and foot injuries during an accident? Probably not evolutionary traits in our near futures. But that’s the point that TAC is trying to drive home — rather than leaving solutions to evolution, improved roads could help in the meantime.
“Cars have evolved a lot faster than humans and Graham helps us understand why we need to improve every aspect of our roads system to protect ourselves from our own mistakes,” TAC chief executive officer Joe Calafiore said in the organization’s press release.
TAC worked with an auto accident expert, trauma surgeon, and Melbourne artist to bring Graham to his lifelike state.
